Not much. Sometimes frosting can be a distinguishing factor between these two delicious baked creations, or the presence of fresh fruit inside, or healthy ingredients (bran, carrots, raisins are more common among muffins), or maybe just the time of day in which they are typically consumed. Interestingly, the increasing prevalence of all-natural and vegan ingredients are gradually blurring the line between these sister sweets. Nevertheless, even though they come in just about the same size and shape, somehow, they each have their own niche in the carbohydrate food group, and in many of our lives.

Try these local mini-cake, single-serving sweet baked treats that are hot in the Austin food scene these days!

Local, Fresh Muffin Creative Breakfast Rebeccammendation to entertain local and out of town company:Taste No Evil Muffin Company-aka “The Muffin Bus” at 2531 South Lamar, right in front of Maria’s Taco Xpress. Karisa,the spunky and welcoming bakeress, wakes up before dawn to make fresh muffins for you loyal eaters and future supporters. Try her creative flavors, including Blackberry Peach, Chocolate Sinsation, Gluten-Free Muffins, Muffin-Top ice cream sandwiches, and her specialty flavors! Also, follow her on Twitter @TNEMC to get the latest muffin & drink/fruit specials daily!

Cheery Karisa at Taste No Evil Muffin Company welcomed us out of the restaurant's bus window. The muffins were a fresh, tasty way to start out our morning!

Local Cupcake Bakery for a Sweet Treat Downtown Rebeccammendation:Delish at 209 W. 3rd (right next to Cantina Laredo). Adam and I checked it out on Grand Opening Day last week, just minutes after they began serving complimentary mini-cupcakes at noon! The S’mores cupcake was divine…the marshmellow topping was perfectly toasted, the chocolate inside was at the right richness level, and the graham cracker crust completed my 3-bite dessert with just the perfect combination of s’mores flavors. Regular-sized cupcakes are $2.50 and will hit the spot after a Tex-Mex dinner next door, or after you treat yourself to a day of pampering at the Milk + Honey Salon on the same block.

You can now endulge in a "Delish" cupcake when strolling downtown on W. 3rd!

I would say Sugar Mama’s, but I only tried one kind at Delish…and it was fabulous! Also, I still Rebeccammend Delish for a downtown treat when you can’t get to Sugar Mama’s. Also, Sugar Mama’s is closed Mondays, so this is still a great place for a good cupcake if you’re dtown and your sweet tooth calls!